The invalid who is much debilitated should take all baths in a warm room, with an assistant, bathing one portion while the other is kept partially dressed.
There is always a small current of air moving over the floor, and to protect against this, keep the feet covered, and the first thing to be done on rising in the morning, or at any time, should be to dress your feet, otherwise, even if you do not take cold, cold feet will be apt to keep your company the entire day.
We may also add here, that if by any exposure the feet get wet, to prevent taking cold, they should be, on returning home, at once plunged into cold water, rubbed briskly, and dried before the fire.
Finally, pure air, thick shoes, warm clothing, a nourishing diet, liberal exercise, early to bed and early to rise, with a rigid regularity of habit, and the abolition of fashion in the things specified, and many who are now invalids may live long and be comparatively happy. But, indulge in corsets, thin, shoes, irregular hours, and live in damp and unventilated houses, eating fine-bolted, hot breads, with liberal supplies of pie and pound-cake, and it will not be long ere the undertaker will be cultivating your acquaintance.
Beware of this advancement on his part. It bodes no good to you. He has an eye to business. If not the pale-horse, he is its rider. Take another direction quickly, and give him a cold shoulder, but see that he does not get two.
CHAPTER X.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE AND EXPECT.
The best localities for invalids and others.—The city of Minneapolis.—Its drives and objects of interest—Cascade and Bridal Tails.—Fort Snelling.—Minnehaha Falls.—The city and Falls of St. Anthony.—Anoka and St. Cloud.—Fishing and hunting.—Wilmar and Litchfield.—Lake Minnetonka.—Experience in fishing.—Some "big fish."—White Bear Lake.—The Minnesota Valley.—Le Sueur.—St. Peter's and Mankato.—Minneopa Falls.—Southwestern Minnesota.—Its agricultural wealth and capabilities.—Northern Pacific Railroad and its branches.—The Red River country.—Trade with Manitoba.—Western life and habits.
It is essential for the invalid, before undertaking a journey to Minnesota, to know the best points, both as regards matters of accommodation and of location. For there is, even in this State, considerable choice for patients; while for tourists, any point offering attractions is the place for them. We shall briefly consider the whole subject, but first with regard to the former class.
The city of St. Paul, an account of which has been previously given, is the most natural place to make the first stop; and it is a bright, cheerful, busy city in which to while away the time. Its location is healthful, as well as beautiful, and invalids may remain there with perhaps as great advantage as at any point in the State, especially in the winter season.